Clinker loosening means for coal stokers



July 12, 1938. P. CHRISTIANSEN, JR 2,123,462A

CLINKER LOOSENING MEANS FOR` COAL' STOKERS Filed April l5, 1957 2 Sheets-Shea# l Aorneys July l2, 1938.

P. CHRISTIANSEN, JR

CLINKER LOOSENING MEANS FOR COAL STOKERS Filed April 13, 1937 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 Patented July 12, 1938 PATENT OFFICE CLINKER LOOVSENING MEANS FOR vCOAL STOKERS Peter Christiansen, Jr., Racine, Wis.

Application April 13,

4 Claims.

The present invention relates to novel manually controlled mechanical means utilized as a clinker loosening structure, the same being especially, but not necessarily, adapted for use in so-called coal stokers for coaction with the bed ofthe fire pot, whereby to provide a satisfactory and dependable means to loosen clinkers sufficiently to facilitate handy and expeditious removal thereof.

It is common knowledge that the proper re` moval of clinkers around the retort of a coal stoker is and has been a constant impediment to the full efliciency of the stoker. In most instances clinkers are still being removed by hand, and while it is quite simple to lift out the clinker, the problem of loosening the clinker to facilitate such lifting is an entirelyy different problem. It follows, therefore, that with the present recognized disadvantages in mind, I have evolved' and produced a simple and aptly fitted structural means which will initially loosen and dislodge the adhering clinker, whereby to permit it to be removed bodily or broken up in pieces to facilitate such removal.

In reducing to practice the principles of what l may prove to vbe. an innovation in this line of endeavor, fhave found'it'eiipedient and practicable to utilize a comparatively simple coordination of parts wherein the structure, as a unit, is built in r imbedded in the concrete hearth, whereby to provide a readily available and efficient and reliable arrangement.

Other features and advantages, especially those of a specific structural nature, will become more readily apparent from the following description and the accompanying illustrative drawings.

In the drawings, wherein like numerals are employed to designate the various identical or like parts throughout the views:

Figure l is a fragmentary view partly in Vsection and partly in elevation, showing a stoker construction and illustrating the bed of the fire pot, and partially disclosing the clinker lifting means imbedded or built therein, the section being on the plane' of the `line I-I of Figure 2.

Figure 2 is a horizontal sectional view taken approximately on the plane of the line 2-2 of Figure 1.

Figure 3 is a section taken on the horizontal line 3-3 of Figure 4.

Figure 4 is a View partly in section and partly in elevation, the same being approximately on the plane of the line 4-4 of Figure 3.

Figure 5 is a fragmentary sectional and elevational view showingone of the projectible and 1937, Serial No. 136,655

retractible impact and lifting plungers in its normal out-of-the-way depressed state.

Figure 6 is a View based on Figure 5 showing the coaction of elements when the plunger is elevated to clinker lifting position.

Figure 'l is a perspective View of the horseshoeshaped actuator for the circumferentially spaced, equi-distant lifting plungers or members.

By way of introduction to the detailed description, it is tc be pointed out that the drawings show what may be called a preferred adaptation or exemplication of the invention. Obviously, other ways and means may be resorted to using the same basic principle as will be hereinafter evident from the concluding claims.

As seen in Figures 1 and 2, the boiler or furnace is denoted by the numeral 8. The numeral 9, on the other hand, designates the hopper, motor and blower assembly, forming no p-art of the invention. The customary cement and brick hearth or base I0 has the re pot or retort located in the center thereof as shown in Figure 2. Surrounding the centrally arranged lire pot or retort is the` annular channel II in which the clinker, as a unit, seats itself and adheres, interfering with the operation of the burner until it is removed. It has already been pointed out that ordinarily this is done by hand. Hence, in the present instance it is the purpose of the invention to build intothe hearth or base the mechanical clinker lifting means. An important feature of the means is what may be called a substantially horseshoeshaped actuating unit, this being denoted by the numeral I2 in Figure 7. This includes a flat bottom edge I3 and at circumferentially spaced points it is provided with upstanding lugs or risers I4, these being provided with inclined cam slots I5. The cam slots serve to accommodate complemental cam and connecting pins I 6 carried by the furcations on the lower ends of the projectible and retractible lifting fingers or plungers I1. That is to say, the lower ends of these lingers Il are bifurcated and the furcations straddle the adapter risers I4 where they have cam coaction with the slots I5. This assembly comprising the oscillatory actuating unit I2 and plungers I1 is conned or contained in an inclosing casing of a corresponding outline. The casing includes a base portion I8 and a removable cover portion I9, the portion I9 being substantially channelshaped in cross-sectional form to hood over the slidable actuator ring I2. The numerals 2|] designate clearance portions to accommodate the slidable cam adapters I4. These features are provided with guides 2l through which the projectible and retractible plungers I1 operate. On one side the means I9 is fashioned to accommodate the operating means. That is to say, and as shown in Figure 3, a special housing is formed at 22. This serves to accommodate the slidable operating push-pull rod or link 23, this being pivotally or otherwise attached as at 24 to the adjacent portion of the actuating ring or unit I2.

As seen in Figure 3, `the workable end of the operating link 23 has pin and slot connection as at 25 With a lever 26, this being pivoted as at 21. The lever is formed with a suitable connection or handle as at 28, which may, if desired, accommodate an extension handle 29, as seen in Figure 1. It is obvious that when the device is built into the` re brick I0, the receding and projectible plungers I'I are disposed at equi-distant circumferentially spaced points around the centrally located retort. Moreover, they are arranged in ilush relationshipso that when in the position seen in Figure 5, they do not interfere with the re bed. When, however, the clinker has formed and adhered to the brick, all that is necessary is to rock the lever 26 back and forth, this serving to actuate the link 23. This in turn oscillates the ring or unit I2. Then, too, this brings into effect the cam coacting means I5 and I6 to raise and lower the plungers. Ordinarily a few hammering impacts of the plungers With the under side of the clinker will loosen it suiciently to allow it to be broken up and removed.

It is to be observed that all moving parts are properly encased and effectively imbedded in the brick and cement, and are not subject to undue strain, stress or Wear and tear. All parts may, if desired, be made 0f cast iron, like the retort, so that the rate of expansion and contraction of all parts would be about equal. As very little machining would be necessary, the cost should not prove prohibitive. By facilitating the complete removal of clinkers, the periodic replacement of burnt out retorts is materially lessened. Hence. the device should prove to be ,susceptible of unqualified endorsement by the trade and users in general. It is not, however, the purpose of this description to touch upon the commercial aspects and merits of the invention.

It is thought that the description taken in connection with the drawings will enable a clear understanding of the invention to be had. Therefore, a more lengthy description is thought unnecessary.

While the preferred embodiment of the invention has been shown and described, it is to be understood that minor changes coming within the field of invention claimed may be resorted to if desired.

I claim:

1. In a structure of the class described, a furnace, a refractory base therein, guide means imbedded in said base, a plunger in said guide means, said plunger being projectible and retractible and normally flush with the top of the base, means in the base for raising and lowering the plunger, and additional means for controlling said plunger raising and lowering means from the exterior of a boiler.

2. In a device of the class described, a furnace including a base, a casing in said base, said casing including vertical guides, plungers mounted for reciprocation in said guides, actuating means in the casing slidably mounted, said actuating means including cam parts engaging parts of the plungers for reciprocating said plungers, and operating means for said actuating means including a hand controlled lever.

3. In a structure of the class described, a furnace including a base, a Stoker retort in said base, vertically arranged guide means located in the base and circumferentially spaced equal distances from the retort, vertically arranged plungers supported for vertical movement in said guide means and means for moving the plungers vertically to loosen clinkers on the base.

4. In a structure of the class described, a furnace including a base and a coal Stoker retort In said base, vertically arranged guide means in said base, vertically movable members guided for vertical movement by said guide means and means for reciprocating the movable members from the exterior of the furnace.

PETER CHRISTIANSEN, JR. 

